OTHER TYPES OF OUTDOOR EATING & DRINKING SPOTS

CENTRAL

Cocktail Bar | Ba-Bou | RR

I love this tiny cocktail bar by Tony Conigliaro as it’s so relaxed yet chic with big windows which open out onto bustling Old Compton St – bringing in welcome breeze in the summer months; you can make reservations, so make sure to request these spots when you do.

This famous Italian spot has a grand layout (owned by the Caprice Group unsurprisingly) with a few seats outside where you can dine, drink and watch the Mayfair passers-by.

TYPE Kerb

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Cecconis

Modern Euro | Ba-Bou | RR | £££

Cool minimalist modern sister restaurant to Portland. They’ve got some seating on the kerb so you can munch away. When I went, I had monkfish with young carrots, yuzu and dandelion which was delightful.

I found the fried chicken I had quite average – the crumbs didn’t bind with the chicken and slipped off very easily. However, the sour cocktails were bang on.

TYPE Kerb

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Cheese and Biscuits

Pizzas | Basic | W&R | £

Tried most of their pizzas which are all pretty rad – don’t go expecting any kind of service. It’s a pub / bar that just happens to serve pizzas. Come summer, it gets incredibly packed outside, so if you hate crowds, then this ain’t your spot. Mixed bag of hipsters and tourists.

TYPE Wide Open Space

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Crate London

Various | Basic | NR | £

This covered street food market by Street Feast has a rooftop bit where you can eat, drink and be merry. Sometimes you have to pay a cover charge, so just check their website / Facebook before you head down.

Love this small independently run cool coffee shop with a teeny outdoor space. Their avocado cake is absolutely boss, make sure to order it.

TYPE Mini Courtyard

GO FOR Snacks + Coffee

Image Credit: Best of England

WEST

Terrace | Basic | RR | £££

Located off High St Ken on a residential road, this gastropub serves up good Modern Euro fare in a cosy chic space. The indoor space is split into a drinking den and a more formal dining area. Outside, there are a few tables facing the road where you can imbibe and munch away.

Pizza East Notting Hill is very attractive indeed even if the food is just mediocre. So, if you want to do some Notting Hill people watching, it’s got a perfect outdoor seating bit for this.

TYPE Kerb

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Pizza East

SOUTH

International | Ba-Bou | W&R

Nice bright refined venue. They’ve got big windows which they swing open when the sun decides to treat us to some heat. However, the food is somewhat mediocre food, so best for drinks but you’ll probs need to get some nibbles to justify your seat.

TYPE Big Windows

GO FOR Drinks

Image Credit: Eet

Street Food | Basic | NR | £

This hip street market has lots of outdoor areas you can pitch up at. Have a wonder round the food stalls inside, grab some booze and then head back outside again. There are also stand alone restaurants like Bar Douro where you can dine outside – best to book in advance.

TYPE Food Market

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Flat Iron Square

Various | Basic | NR | £

This small street food market, an offshoot of Borough Market is always rammed and hectic come the weekend but I still really like it. If you get here early enough you can grab one of the outdoor seating areas but you’ll need to buy booze / food from the stall owners that operate it.

This super lovely cafe run by a couple has a tiny seating area out front. You can have breakfast al fresco here or just opt for their lovely banana cake toasted with butter and a juice. Mmmmm.

TYPE Kerb

GO FOR Food

Image Credit: Timeout

Pop-Ups | Basic | NR | £

This is from the same guys behind Pamela in Dalston. It’s a bar, brewery and a club in Seven Sisters. It’s also got a massive courtyard where you can knock back the old G&T they have on tap (actually delicious, coming from someone who ain’t a massive fan of premixed drinks). Only been here at night, so not sure how buzzy it is in the day. Full of trendies.

This Middle Eastern x N.American inspired brunch spot has a few tables outside. There is nearly always a queue, so grab a newspaper or you know, chat to your mates like.

TYPE Kerb

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Seasonal | Basic | RR | ££

This lovely restaurant in Old Street is pretty compact. They serve seasonal British produce but with plates from Europe, with a strong influence from Italy. Upper Street ain’t the most picturesque street in the world but if it’s hot and you want to dine outside, you have the option.

TYPE Kerb

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Hot Dinners

French | Ba-Bou | RR | £££

This neighbourhood resto on a residential street serves up solid fare and is located in a converted garage. Come sunshine, they completely open out the doors, so make sure to request to sit right at the front when you reserve, so you can get hit by some glorious rays.

TYPE Open Door

GO FOR Food + Drinks

Image Credit: Standard.co.uk

Modern European | Ba-Bou | RR | ££

Primeur’s sibling. The focus is on seafood. It has a massive courtyard but sadly you can’t eat here but you can drink loadsa vino whilst you wait for your table or even post dinner. Like Primeur, it has massive doors, so try and grab a seat at the front for some faux al fresco vibes.